Episode Summary

A senator attaches a rider to the federal budget bill that would ban gay marriage, almost daring the President to veto it, as the physical infirmities of Bartlet's MS become more pronounced. The Internet is rampant with a story that questions CJ's sexual orientation, and it is only fueled further when CJ refuses to dignify the allegations by putting out a statement. Donna joins the Vice President's senior staff, and heads for New Hampshire to start up Russell's presidential campaign there. And Santos decides that he will run for president after all, but only if Josh will leave the White House to manage his campaign.moreless

Something I haven't seen in a while...

This episode was good. Something we haven't seen in a while since the end of the Sorkin dynasty. Bradley Whitford did more than a commendable job writing this episode in a fashion that hails back to the first four seasons much like Deborah Cahn's episodes do. I hope that he writes another episode soon so that I can see what else goes on in that mind of his. I was entertained even when I knew that it was coming. And I had sorely missed the wit and and the way that political truths were addressed on this show. Commendable, Indeed.moreless

Eyes on the Horizon

I have hope for Matthew Santos. And I have hope for The West Wing. I have my predictions about how next season will work out, and they will handle Bartlet leaving office (who will stay, who will go, will we see Bartlet still, etc.) but I’m going to hold off on any crystal ball sessions until later. I will say, though, that the future is definitely front and center on The West Wing this season. There are a few things to deal with for the here and now, like the budget and same-sex amendments. But this show seems to have its eyes on the horizon, and on many seasons to come. And we fans are just happy as clams about that, aren’t we?One of my favorite aspects of this show has always been that it tackled the current issues, the things we are seeing in headlines, so I was definitely glad to see them deal with the sanctity of marriage issue. In the interest of bipartisanship, I think it’s good that they are showing logical people on the other side of the aisle. But of course, our beloved show stays true to its love for ideals and symbols and doing what you believe in, instead of what’s politically advantageous. Ah, if only…Let’s talk candidates for a minute here.Santos: You have to love him, right? He’s positively winning. I’m really glad they put up another candidate that can match the charisma of Arnie Vinick. Donna and I don’t have to worry about being talked out of voting for that Republican so much anymore. Here I go again, talking about this election as though it were real. I do think that Santos has a good shot winning this, especially with Josh behind him. Josh is our main character now, the way I see it. We can’t have him lose, now can we? But what about Josh’s trusty sidekick-who-has-realized-she-can-do-more-and-is-now-forging-ahead-with-her-career?Russell: Although I am always one to believe in going after your guy above all else, especially on TV and in movies (I am an avid chick flick fan), I am very proud of Donna for moving on. I think that after that talk with CJ last season, she realized she was staying for Josh, and that she needed to make her own way. I have to question her choice for a candidate, because I’m not sure she was ever a Russell fan, and I’m certainly not one, but what were her options? I hope Josh convinces her to switch over to Santos. You know I’m dying to have those two together again. However, not working together means no ethical questions about a relationship, so maybe its good that she’s on a different campaign. Hoynes: What a creep! That’s all I have to say about Hoynes. Other thoughts:I have a personal message to Joshua Lyman: Call Donna!!!! (I wanted this in all uppercase, but the powers that be wouldn't let me.) I don’t want you to beg for her to come back necessarily, but I need closure, as I’m sure you do. I would really like a bittersweet (temporary) goodbye speech if possible. Something that includes, “You are the best assistant I could have asked for. And the best person I have ever worked with. And I want you to know that I never thought of you as just my assistant. You were more like…” You can choose what she is to you, Josh. But please call her. The President is a source of inspiration for us all, the way he so valiantly struggles with his illness. But I really miss him in the Oval Office. I want him back taking charge and being in command. I think we need more “That’s a direct order from your Commander-in-Chief!” and less napping. I think CJ and Leo are great together. Her speech was so great. I’m glad John Wells took my advice about putting these two brilliant actors together more.I find Will Bailey consistently amusing. “You should have told me you were coming. I would have had time to gather my wits.” (Sorry if it’s not a direct quote, straight from memory)Overall, This episode was solid, but I didn’t love it, and it didn’t leave me wanting more like usual. But it was another strong episode in a rockin’ season 6. Written- 1/5/2005 moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (0)

QUOTES (12)

Santos: In a time of global chaos and instability, where our faiths collide as often as our weapons, hope is real. There is such a thing as false science. There is such a thing as false promises. I am sure I will have my share of false starts. But there is no such thing as false hope. There is only hope.

Josh: What are you going to do when this is done?Toby: Whatever I can to stave off the chaos, mayhem and self-interest that lies just beneath our civil disguise.Josh: So, not the private sector?Toby: The money would have to be unbelievable.

CJ. (about a man who hasn't called her): ...Maybe he has even less of an idea of how to deal with my alleged and fictitious lesbianism than I do. So he'll just... drift away like the legion of other cowards for whom I spent my young life staring at the phone like an exquisite collie hoping for table scraps...

Will (to Donna on hiring her): I just want to make sure I'm not starting a turf war. I would hate to find the Deputy Chief of Staff at my door with a switch blade.Donna: You're not poaching me. I need to move on... He'll find someone else to answer his phone.

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